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What does SEN support look like at school? The graduated approach explained

Assess, plan, do, review: how SEN support should work for autistic pupils, and what good provision looks like.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

SEN support is the help schools in England give pupils with special educational needs, without an EHCP. The SEND Code of Practice describes a graduated approach: assess the pupil's needs, plan support with the pupil and family, do it, and review how well it's working. For autistic pupils, good SEN support often includes visual timetables, predictable routines, sensory adjustments and communication support.

Key takeaways
  • SEN support uses a graduated approach: assess, plan, do, review.
  • Class teachers are responsible, with SENCO support.
  • Parents and pupils should be involved at every stage.
  • If progress stalls, consider specialist advice or an EHCP.

What is the graduated approach?

The SEND Code of Practice describes SEN support as a cycle of assess, plan, do, review, repeated and refined over time.1

Assess, plan, do, review
StepFor an autistic pupil, this might mean
AssessObserving when things are hard, talking with the pupil and family, gathering views
PlanAgreeing outcomes and supports: visual timetable, breaks, communication aids
DoThe class teacher delivers support daily, with help from teaching assistants
ReviewChecking progress with the pupil and family, then adjusting

What does good support look like for autistic pupils?

Try
  • A visual timetable and warnings before changes
  • A calm space and planned sensory breaks
  • Clear, visual instructions and extra processing time
  • A one-page profile shared with all staff
Skip
  • Support that only exists on paper
  • Changes without telling the pupil
  • Reviews without the family

The Autism Education Trust offers training and frameworks many schools use to plan support.3

When should we consider an EHCP?

If the pupil isn't making expected progress despite relevant and purposeful support, the school or parents can request an EHC needs assessment.2 See What is an EHCP?

Free printable: classroom packPDF · 8 pages · timetable, now and next, token board, calm corner, breaks, transitions, story and profile
Download Free printable: classroom pack

What can I do this half term?

0 of 3 done

Common questions

Autism itself isn't automatically SEN. A pupil has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational provision. Many autistic pupils do.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK: SEND code of practice, 0 to 25 years. gov.uk
  2. GOV.UK: Children with special educational needs and disabilities, extra help. gov.uk
  3. Autism Education Trust. autismeducationtrust.org.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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